Sri Lanka: International Assistance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the International Monetary Fund on the proposed emergency loan package to the Sri Lankan government; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka and are also committed to helping Sri Lanka avoid an economic crisis that would impact most on Sri Lanka's poor.
	The Chancellor is in close contact with the IMF and with ministerial colleagues, especially the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development.
	The International Monetary Fund has not yet presented a programme for Sri Lanka. Once a programme is presented, it will be assessed on its merits and the situation on the ground in Sri Lanka at the time.